Psalms
Summary
Psalm 46 is a powerful declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and protection, famously inspiring Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." It begins with the comforting assurance that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Even if the earth gives way and mountains fall into the sea, the people of God remain unafraid because "The LORD Almighty is with us." The psalm features a beautiful image of a river whose streams make glad the city of God and concludes with the famous command: "Be still and know that I am God," as he promises to be exalted among the nations.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah.
Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
"Be still [1], and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.